Life Lessons Archives - Page 4 of 6

#36 Self Surrender

With the ones dear to me, I hold you as my branches for I am the tree;

My heart is deeper than the deepest roots,
So deep that even the vast oceans seem shallow;

But there is a caveat to my strength, I have not surrendered.

#34 Sometimes You Need to Know You’re an Asshole

““Self love is good thing, but self-awareness is way more important.’” – Louis CK

My mother called me earlier this week. Our conversations usually revolve around the same spiel.

When are you going to get married?
What are doing with your life?
I’m worried about you.

#33 Naivety vs Innocence

Last week I spent time with my cousin and her family in Santa Barbara, CA. I headed down to the Bluffs, a hiking region on the coast-side at about 5:15 am every morning.

#31 Treat Everyone Like They’ll Die Soon

After all the meditation, philosophic readings, and walks in nature I have learned very little. I thought the lessons in life would guide me to learn something profound. I thought I’d find a calling, perhaps some purpose, and maybe some meaning to all this madness.

#30 Why Life is Play

A few Friday’s ago I came home and my sister asked, “Bro’, doesn’t it feel good to be home after a long week at work?”

“It doesn’t feel any different from when I was at work,” I replied.

#29 Life Lessons From the Kitchen — Cooking with Mom (Recipe + Video Included)

It was the 13th day of September and my mother had called me to visit. It had been about a month since I last saw her so time with her was past due and she was persistent that I come by.

The last few days of an Indian summer were upon us. The sky was blue, without a cloud in sight, and the heat from the sun wasn’t intrusive. Rather, it felt like a warm blanket that coated our skin.

#28 Life Lessons From an Unknown Artist — Nataraja Shiva, The Lord of Dance

I was born in America and grew up Hindu. Growing up I took part in rituals that were performed at pooja’s (prayer meetings) without understanding why?

I asked my parents, elders, and even the priests that performed the religious ceremonies simple questions about God, my skepticism, and confusion. I couldn’t get a straight answer from anyone.

#27 First Encounter — An Unforgettable Date

We exchanged messages for a month, talked on the phone once, and pretty much followed the cliche protocols that one assumes with online dating. Today was the day. Expectations were ruled out because I’ve been here before. You know, the same monotonous conversations about career, past dating history, horoscopes, hobbies, etc. Everyone talks about the proverbial spark of when you meet someone. I call it bullshit because science will tell you that chemicals can do some amazing things. Sometimes it’s fucking great and most of the time, not so much. Although I may seem down, it was quite the contrary as a remnant of hope flickered dimly somewhere within.

#25 Timeless (No BS) Lessons to Live a Better Life

Is the glass half empty or half full? I’m sure you’ve heard of this expression. It’s a simple concept and it carries its weight in truth. To live, breathe, and embody the belief that the glass is half-full is another story. Today I wanted to help you understand, and in no particular order, why this is so. The topics I will touch on today are:

Taking a 30,000-foot view
Everything is energy
Forgiveness is a selfish act
Contemplating death
Presence is the only drug you’ll ever need

#24 The Stoic Warrior — Words to Heal the Spirit

I am fascinated by the Roman Empire. In particular, I have a keen interest in Stoic philosophy. Marcus Aurelius was one of the important figures in Stoicism. His philosophy, also known as Meditations was never intended to be published, rather they were sources of wisdom to guide him through his own journey of self-improvement.